Television

NAMES & FACES

January 26, 2004

Barbara Walters, who has interviewed scores of the famous and infamous in a legendary television career, said Sunday she will step down this fall as host of the ABC newsmagazine 20/20 after 25 years. Walters, 74, will do about six interview specials a year for ABC News, including her annual pre-Oscar show. She'll also stay as executive producer and co-host of the daytime talk show The View.

CELEBRITY

Britain will give an honorary knighthood to Microsoft co-founder and chairman Bill Gates in recognition of his contribution to enterprise in Britain, the government said today. Because he isn't a British citizen, Gates can't use "Sir" in front of his name, but he can put the letters KBE -- Knight Commander of the British Empire -- after it.

Folks looking for the intersection of Paris Hilton Boulevard and Nicole Richie Avenue can find it in the middle of town hall in Altus, Ark. The mock street sign was featured at a Fox-sponsored ceremony in Altus honoring the stars of its The Simple Life.